Overhaul Parcel Post, PRC Chairman Says

CHICAGO - Postal Rate Commission chairman Ed Gleiman urged the U.S. Postal Service to consider switching its lightweight Parcel Post service in favor of Priority Mail during a session sponsored by the Association of Priority Mail Users at the Postal Forum here this week.

Gleiman said Priority Mail has been the leading volume gainer for the USPS in terms of percentage growth, which is accelerating. He said its secret elixir is in its mix: competitive pricing, two- to three-day service, and it is riding a tide of increasing small parcel volume and document exchange in the economy. "Beyond this we must give credit to the postal service, which has been innovative in this highly profitable arena," he said.

Gleiman also said the USPS should consider the desirability of a discount for Priority Mail used to drop ship Standard-A mail, which does not require delivery.